Peter Prunic, who was 53 and from Letchworth, suffered severe head and chest injuries in the collision which happened on July 25 at the Wendover Road site.

The inquest has heard how the 10 and a half tonne telehandler, which is used to transport materials around the site, struck Mr Prunic as it was reversing.

Its driver, Anthony Barker, from Aylesbury, told the inquest:

"I picked up a skip and started reversing back. I heard a bang but I thought it was the skip. I looked around and nobody was there but as I was coming round I looked up and saw a man lying on the road. I couldn't believe where he had come from."

He added: "I had the bleepers on, which are as loud as hell, and the beacon was also on."

The jury heard that telehandlers are known for not having good visibility but as yet there are no regulations for them.

The verdict of accidental death was returned earlier this afternoon.